We shouldn’t ‘blindly’ believe allegations of violence against women, Queensland’s new DV minister said in resurfaced comments
Summary
Queensland MP Amanda Stoker’s appointment as the state’s minister for the prevention of domestic violence has drawn concern because of past comments questioning calls to believe people who report violence. Stoker has argued that allegations should be assessed against evidence, while advocates say her comments could discourage victim-survivors from reporting abuse.Key Facts
- Stoker was appointed Queensland’s minister for the prevention of domestic violence on Saturday.
- In a 2023 article, Stoker said calls to “blindly” believe complainants rather than assess evidence could harm innocent defendants.
- Stoker has also said that false allegations can harm people accused of sexual assault.
- Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame called Stoker’s appointment disappointing.
- Several Queensland workers who support victims told Guardian Australia they had private concerns about Stoker’s appointment but would not speak publicly.
- The Queensland Police Service says there is no evidence that many women make vexatious sexual-violence reports and describes false allegations as very rare.
- Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan said victim-survivors need to know they will be believed, supported and taken seriously if they come forward.
- Stoker took her seat in the Queensland parliament in 2024 after leaving the federal Senate in 2022.
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